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Finavia to vastly increase their solar power production

The roof of the Helsinki Airport terminal is currently being fitted with new solar panels. They belong to Finavia’s solar plant whose first sector was opened just under two years ago. Next year, more panels will be installed on the facade of the parking complex which is to be opened.

– 100% of Helsinki Airport’s energy is produced using renewable energy sources. Our power plant, which is located on the roof, produces approximately 5% of the terminal extensions’ electricity. The rest of the airport’s electricity is produced by wind power, says Henri Hansson, Technical Director at Finavia.

Airport emissions are usually caused by the energy consumption of buildings, lighting and vehicles. The production of renewable energy was one of the most important factors of Helsinki Airport achieving its certified carbon neutral status.

The first panels were installed on the terminal roof in the summer of 2017. The system power is 126 kWp. The system’s energy production has corresponded to expectations. The second phase will be completed this spring. The new section will produce 330 kWp of solar power.

Hansson explains that, presently, Finavia is increasing solar power production in the areas of the airport that are to be newly built.

– The next solar panels will be installed on the wall of the new parking complex in 2020. The solar power produced by these panels is to be targeted at charging electric cars, Hansson says.

When all the sections of the plant, currently known by Finavia, are in use, the solar power production capacity at Helsinki Airport will be approximately 750 kWp. The solar plant is one of the top 10 largest in Finland and is the largest airport plant in the Nordic countries. 1% of the electricity used at the airport will be covered by solar power.

In the future, Finavia will also be looking at other locations for new systems. A further objective is to expand the utilisation of solar power in the airport network as well.

Finavia’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality at all of its airports in 2019. The most important steps to take when decreasing emissions are a strong increase of renewable forms of energy, the origins of electricity and heat, improving energy efficiency in all operations and compensating for emissions.

Responsible operations and the sustainable development of airports are at the core of Finavia’s business activities. This means that the company takes responsibility for the effects of its operations on people, the environment and society – accurately, conscientiously and with attention to detail.